Pakistan Saturday successfully testfired its long-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile, Hatf VI (Shaheen II), capable of carrying nuclear and conventional warheads, a statement of the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said. The missile test was conducted as part of process of validation and technical improvements to consolidate and verify various land based strategic missile systems. Hatf VI (Shaheen II) is Pakistan's longest-range ballistic missile system with a range of 2000 km. It is a two-stage fuel missile, which can carry nuclear and conventional warheads with high accuracy. The test was witnessed by Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, who congratulated the scientists and engineers of Strategic Organizations on achieving an important milestone in Pakistan's quest for sustaining strategic balance in South Asia. Speaking after the successful test, Gilani said that Pakistan's strategy of credible minimum deterrence is fully in place and is a guarantee of peace in the region. He assured that Pakistan's defense needs will remain a high priority with the elected government. He said that the strategic program which enjoys complete national consensus will continue to be consolidated and further strengthened in line with the needs of national security. The test was also witnessed by the Defense Minister Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Tariq Majid, besides senior military officers and scientists. __
